Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka has snubbed playing for the Super Eagles of Nigeria for England, following his inclusion in the three lions team in their upcoming games against Wales, Belgium and Denmark.
However, until he plays an official game match for England he is still eligible to switch his allegiance to Nigeria.
In a tweet, Saka indicated an interest in accepting the invitation to play for the Three Lions.
He said, “Am honoured and grateful to get my first England call-up. Blessing,”.
Saka has been in fine form for Arsenal since breaking into the Gunners first team and last season he featured prominently as Mikel Arteta’s men finished eighth in the Premier League and also helped the club clinch the FA Cup title.
The Three Lions will slug it out with the Welsh side in a friendly at Wembley on October 8, before taking on the Red Devils and the Danish team in Nations League outings.
The youngster was born in England to Nigerian parents and has represented the European country at U16, U17, U18, U19 and U21 levels.
Recall that, the president of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Amaju Pinnick, had previously stated that the three-time African champions will never beg the 19-year-old to play for the country.
“Saka is an excellent prospect but
we have other players in his position who are playing so well,” Pinnick said.
“We have talents everywhere so we won’t beg people to play for Nigeria. It is about ardour and fervour, If it’s their desire and they merit it, they’ll be given a chance to represent Nigeria.”
Also, NFF was also unable to convince Chelsea duo Fikayo Tomori and Tammy Abraham to commit their future to Super Eagles.
The federation has, however, in the
past been able to persuade the likes of Alex Iwobi, Ola Aina, Shola Ameobi to switch their allegiances to the West Africans, having previously represented England
